How to Pack Fragile Items

Whether you are moving, shipping a gift, or fulfilling an order for your business, packing fragile items can be stressful. The last thing anyone wants is to open a box and find the contents shattered – especially if it is something that is irreplaceable.

A few simple techniques can help make packing and transporting fragile items easier and increase the likelihood that your item remains intact:

Determine what needs to be packed

Identify exactly what fragile items you need to pack. If there are multiple items, decide if they can be packed together. If so, group them accordingly so you can determine what size boxes you will need. Keep in mind that you'll want to pack the heaviest items on the bottom and the lightest on the top.

Pick the right supplies

Using the right packing supplies is key to protecting fragile items. Purchase new corrugated boxes in the correct size. Always choose a box based on what you are packing. With fragile items, one size does not fit all. Too much extra space in the box increases the likelihood that your item will have room to shift and break. As a rule, aim for only two inches of space on all sides of the item.

While newspaper has traditionally been a go-to packing material for many people, there are far better options available that don't leave messy ink stains behind. Bubble wrap, packing paper, packing peanuts, and foam sheets are among the best materials available.

Pick the packing material you use based on what you're packing. For example, bubble wrap is an excellent option to protect lighter items that aren't likely to pop the air pockets. Foam sheets work wonders when you are stacking fragile items like plates; while packing peanuts and crumbled up packing paper easily fills in gaps to ensure the contents of the box don't shift.

Test it, pack it, label it

Once you've packed your fragile item in an appropriately sized corrugated box with packing materials on all sides, close the flaps. Before taping the box, carefully pick it up and test to ensure that the contents don't shift when moved.
Seal the box by applying packing tape to all flaps and seams on the top and bottom. Always avoid using gift wrapping tape, masking tape, or other tape types which are not designed for packing, shipping, and mailing. The wrong tape can put your fragile items in jeopardy.

Last but not least, ensure that all boxes containing fragile items are clearly marked. Use a bright colored marker or label on at least two sides of each box.

Communicate

If you are moving and have family, friends or a professional moving company helping you, be sure to communicate which boxes are fragile and need to be handled with extra care. If you are shipping boxes via a carrier like USPS, FedEx, or UPS, be sure to let them know that the box contents are fragile so they can help safeguard your package.

Conclusion

“How to pack fragile items” can seem like a daunting task. Follow these simple steps and you can be sure your precious cargo will be transported safely and secure.